This Article Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rao, A. Articles by Steckel, R. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rao, A. Articles by Steckel, R. J.

Asymptomatic haematuria and abnormal urine cytology

Department of Radiation Therapy, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, 4950 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90027 ^* Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA

This excerpt was created in the absence of an abstract.

An abnormal urine cytology is always regarded as a serious finding. Therefore, it is important to locate promptly the source of abnormal cells. However, the initial radiological examination can be normal, in which case the source of abnormal cells should be investigated further by direct endoscopic techniques.

A 72-year-old Caucasian woman was seen in October 1985 with a history of asymptomatic microscopic haematuria for over 20 years. She had been investigated several times, including intravenous urograms and cystoscopies that had been negative. In 1979, however, she was reported as having an "abnormal urine cytology", which was confirmed again in 1983. Intravenous urograms and cystoscopies performed at these times were again negative. The patient was lost to followup until 1985 when a repeat urine cystological examination was positive. A subsequent intravenous urogram showed a nonfunctioning right kidney (Fig. 1). A retrograde pyelogram revealed localized narrowing of the right ureter near the pelvic brim, with marked hydronephrosis; there also appeared to be irregularity of the right ureter near its junction with the renal pelvis, suggesting the possibility of a papillary tumour (Fig. 2).

Received for publication June 1, 1988. Revision received April 1, 1989.